Fiadanana, nestled within the Betsileo Highlands of Fianarantsoa, Madagascar, occupies a geographically significant position influencing its air quality. Located at approximately -20.4377° latitude and 48.3807° longitude, the city sits at an elevation of around 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) above sea level, contributing to cooler temperatures and potentially affecting atmospheric stability. The surrounding landscape is dominated by rolling hills and terraced rice paddies, characteristic of the Betsileo agricultural region. This proximity to intensive agricultural practices, while vital for the local economy, introduces potential sources of particulate matter, particularly during burning seasons for land clearing and crop residue disposal. Fiadanana’s urban character is distinctly rural, with a gradual urban–rural gradient extending outwards into the surrounding agricultural lands. The city itself is relatively small, with a population of approximately 21,000, suggesting limited industrial activity within the immediate vicinity. However, Fianarantsoa, a larger urban center, lies within reasonable commuting distance, potentially introducing pollutants transported by prevailing winds. The Betsileo region experiences a distinct wet and dry season, impacting vegetation cover and soil moisture, which in turn influences dust generation and the dispersion of pollutants. The lack of major rivers directly adjacent to Fiadanana limits the natural cleansing effect of waterways, meaning atmospheric deposition is a crucial factor in pollutant removal. The terrain, with its undulating hills, can also create localized areas of stagnant air, particularly during periods of low wind speed, exacerbating air quality issues.

Fiadanana’s air quality follows a predictable pattern dictated by its tropical highland climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season, typically spanning from April to October, presents the greatest air quality challenges. Reduced rainfall leads to drier soils, increasing the prevalence of dust and particulate matter stirred up by agricultural activities and vehicle traffic. Burning practices, common for land preparation and waste disposal, significantly contribute to elevated levels of smoke and pollutants during this period. Temperature inversions, more frequent during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, further degrading air quality. The wet season, from November to March, brings relief as increased rainfall washes away particulate matter and dilutes gaseous pollutants. However, periods of heavy fog, common during the wet season, can also trap pollutants, creating localized pockets of poor air quality. The months of July and August, coinciding with the peak of the dry season and agricultural burning, are generally the least favorable for outdoor activities, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Conversely, the months of February and March, during the transition to the wet season, often offer the best air quality. Individuals with respiratory conditions should be particularly cautious during the dry season, limiting prolonged outdoor exposure and taking necessary precautions to minimize inhalation of dust and smoke. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification can also be beneficial during periods of elevated pollution.